Topic: New Windows Messenger: Beware!

[Simon]

It seems that there could be a flaw (feature?) in the new version of Windows Messenger (4.7), which enables Messenger to sign you in, without permission, and without your knowledge.

I installed it the other day, and precisely that happened.  I had no taskbar icon to indicate WM was even running, let alone that I was signed in.  My only notification was when chat windows started popping up.  I opened the Tools section, and made certain the box to 'Load Messenger when Windows starts' was un-ticked.  I even deleted my password, so that it could not sign in, but it still did.

I thought it was just me and my PC, but I have spoken to two other people who have found the same problem.  I would advise anyone considering upgrading to the new version of WM to stick to the old version, until this issue is resolved.

If you want to un-install Windows Messenger, it doesn't appear in Add / Remove as it's integrated with XP, but here is a useful link to get rid of it if you need to - click here.

I don't know if the above applies to the new version of MSN Messenger.  I haven't tried, and will be sticking to Trillian for now.  

[lobo]

@Simon

Hi Simon, I run the 4.7 version of messenger and it uses my .NET password to log me in, if you wish you can disable this option in Tools, Options, Accounts, you can also alter the settings in Preferences and my messenger shows an icon on the tool bar

I can not help but think that all these problems are connected to the problem with your XP system files and again the best solution is to format the drive and reinstall all the programs, I realise that this option is maybe not a viable solution for you but the troubles are not going to go away and eventually (usually at the most inconvenient time) the PC is going to go legs up with a complete system failure.

Brian

[Simon]

Not to be confused, Brian, are you talking version 4.7 of Windows Messenger (which has just been released), or MSN Messenger (that version of which has been about for a while)?  I only say that because the two are mistaken often, as you will no doubt be aware.  It's also strange that two other people I have met are having the same symptoms after downloading the new version of Windows Messenger (Not MSN), which made me think it might not just be me.  

I agree with you that a re-format is probably the thing to do, but it will have to wait until I have enough time to see it through completely, as it's not something I would want to undertake with time being limited.

[Clive]

How often do you think a complete re-installation is necessary?  I tend to replace my machines after 2 years anyway so I have never had to  do it.  That was until this year when  Mrs Clive's machine went legs up after little over 12 months.  Adept did a reinstallation and I must say that it was very beneficial.

The problem I would have with any reinstallation on my own machine is that it's the "master" machine for the network and the router is attached to it.  That bit scares me to death.

[lobo]

Thats what it say my friend

Windows Messenger
Version 4.7(4.7.2009)
Copright (C) 1997-2002 Microsoft Corporation, All rights reserved

Brian

[lobo]

@Clive
No easy answer here Clive, some PCs will never need to have there software reinstalled it all depends on what the PC is used for, if all you do is word-processing and similar tasks then there is not much opportunity for the corruption of system files, if you download and install games and programs that need to replace some of the system files (theoretically the PC should save the replaced files and reinstall them when you remove the program) then you can soon reach a point that a format and reinstall is necessary

Brian

[Sandra]

The problem I would have with any reinstallation on my own machine is that it's the "master" machine for the network and the router is attached to it.  That bit scares me to death.  

It depends mainly on how many times you unistall and install various programs Clive.
If you never uninstalled anything and just ran the programs you had on at the start,say word stuff and a few picture editing ones then you probably would never need to do it again.
Its the unistalling and reinstalling of programs that alter the registry,as far as I know,and this gets "messed up" eventually.

As far as the router goes Clive you shouldnt have a problem as the information on your VIGOR is installed in the router not the PC.
In fact,unless I have misunderstood it completely,it should be easier to get back on line after a wipe and reinstall with your present setup than when you had to make a DUN before.
You should only need to run the network wizard on both PCs and youll be in business again  

[Clive]

That's very encouraging as I don't download very much at all and I have very few programs installed apart from Office and Paint Shop Pro.  The reason Mrs Clive's computer went legs up is because my son downloaded software from the Internet onto it.  We have now banned him from ever coming home again.  

[lobo]

"We have now banned him from ever coming home again"

Thats a good line Clive I think I'll use that with my kidds

Brian

[Clive]

I didn't say it worked Lobo.  

[Simon]

Well, that's the same version Brian.   :-[

I don't really need it as I have Trillian, but I'll try installing it again, or perhaps MSN Messenger, just to see what happens.

I know I'm just putting off what seems to be the inevitable - I'll get round to a re-install of XP at some point, when I've mustered the energy, had a good night's sleep, and got everything I need on CD.  It's just the prospect of having to re-install all my programs that seems the most daunting.  

[Adept]

The problem I would have with any reinstallation on my own machine is that it's the "master" machine for the network and the router is attached to it.  That bit scares me to death.  

The router is independant of your two PCs Clive

There is no need to install any software to get the router to work.